Machine for forming articles from semiliquid fibrous pulp material



v Feb. 10. 1925.

G. E. SHAW MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM SEMILIQUID FIBROUS PULP MATERIAL Filed Dec. 15. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Wk) A TTORNEY Feb. 10. 1925. 1,525,468

6. E. SHAW MACHINE FOR FORMING ARTICLES FROM SEMILIQUID FIBROUS PULP MATERIAL Filed Dec. 15, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2n FIINVEKTOR. BY

' ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 10, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE E. SHAW, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Application filed December 15. 1922.

To all whom it may concern:

. Be it known that I, GEORGE E. SHAW, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Forming Articles from Semili uid Fibrous Pulp Material, of which the fo lowing is a specifieation.

My invention relates generally to ma chines for producing articles from fibrous pulp material which is of a semi-liquid nature and in some of its aspects relates particularly to mechanism for producing toilet seats and the like.

In the production of such articles by machines heretofore devised it has been customary to form the articles between dies, one usually being fixed and the other movable through a chamber. In order to remove the formed article it has been necessary to drag the same through the pulp chamber, in which operation the article has often times been damaged. Furthermore, under such practice, removal of the formed articles from the die has also been difficult. As a result of these and other factors the production of such articles has been relatively slow,

laborious and expensive and the durability of the articles lessened.

The general object of my invention is to provide a machine whereby such articles can be made quickly, easily and at relatively low cost.

Another object of my invention is to rovide a machine of the above character w ich shall be so designed that the formation and removal of the articles shall be facilitated.

Another object of my invention is to provide machines whereby the formation of articles from a semi-liquid pulp material can be made and compacted to such density as will be best adapted to the uses to which the particular article is to be put.,

y invention consists generally in a machine of the form, arrangement, construction and co-operation of the various parts thereof whereb the above named objects, together with others that will appear hereinafter are attainable; and my invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompan ing drawings which illustrate what I consi er at the present time to be the preferred embodiment thereof.

Serial No. 607,098.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a machine enibodying my invention, the movable plunger die being shown in its outer position.

Fig. 2 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating one step in the manufacture of the article.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but illustrating the parts in position they occupy when the article has been completely formed.

Fig. 4 is a view showing the parts in the position they occupy when the article is to be removed from the machine.

Fig. 5 is a view substantially along the line 55 of Fig. I viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 6 is a view along the line 6-6 of F ig. 4, viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. is a view of the movable plunger die, turned bottom side up, better to disclose the liquid drains therein.

Fig. 8 is a face view of a perforated plate; and Fig. 9 a face view of a wire screen, which parts are attached to the face of the movable plunger die.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a movable core.

Fig. 11 is a face view of the finished article that is produced in the machine.

Fig. 12 is an edge view of the article shown in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a sectional view along the line 13-13 of Fig. 1

My invention may be used for the manufacture of a variety of articles of different shapes and sizes, but I have chosen to illustrate a design particularly adapted for the production of toilet seats. This should, therefore, be considered as by Way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

The machine, as here shown, comprises a cylinder 1, within which there operates a piston 2, and from one end of which there extends a piston plunger 3 that is attached to the piston 2. The parts 1, 2 and 3, may be designated as a fluid en ine designed to be operable by any desired fluids, such as steam, air, water or the like and since it may be of usual and well-known construction, no detailed description thereof need be given. At its end the plunger 3 carries a plate 4 to which there is secured a plunger die 5. The plunger die 5 is provided with a cored openplate 4 and the outline of the article 6, thus formin a chamber between the wa ls of the plunger die 5. Flexible tubes 7 and 8 lead to and from the chamber 6 so that any desired heating, cooling or other medium may be conducted to and from the chambers 6 for the better functioning of the die.

The remaining arts of the machine are the stationary die lock 9, the movable core 10, the movable core cylinder 11, the pulp receiving chamber 12 and the pulp hopper 22.

The stationary die block 9 is forms with an annular rooms 14 in one face thereof, and which in shape corresponds to the shape of the toilet seat 15 which it is desired to produce. The stationary die block 9 is cored out so that when the movable core 0 linder 11 is bolted in place a chamber 16 is ormed, to and from which any desired heating or cooling medium may be conducted through the conduits 17 and 18.

The pulp chamber 12 is hollow and the inner contour thereof corresponds to the to be produced, in the resent instance conforming to the outlines of the toilet seat 15. It is adapted to be detachably secured to the stationary die block 9, to this end having openings therein for alignment with the tapering pins 19 that extend from the stationary die block. These his project through the flange 20 of the pn p chamber 12 as is probably best shown in Fig. 1.. a

The pulp chamber is provided with a receiving opening 21 which is aligned with the discharge or outlet of a hopper 22, a gate valve 23 being provided to regulate the flow of pulp.

The movable core 10 corresponds in shape to the openin in the seat 15 and the movable core cylin er 11 is formed to accommodate the movable core, its shape correspondin thereto.

e remaining structural characteristics of the machine will be best understood by a description of the operation thereof.

Assumin the parts to be in the position shown in ig. 1 at which time the movable core 10 will occupy the position shown in Fig. 4 the piston 2 is removed to the right to the end of its stroke, thus pushing the plunger die 5 throu h the pulp chamber 12 until it occupies su tantially the position shown in Fig. 3. The power is then cut off and fluid, under pressure, is admitted to the cylinder 11 throu h the conduit 24 which forces the mova is core tightly against the plunger die 5, the plunger die 5 being provided with a central recess 25 of circular or conical form to accommodate the projection 26 of the movable core 10. I might here state that the face of the die 5 is covered with a perforated plate 27 which in turn is covered with a wire gauze 28 which permits the liquid in the pulp to percolate or pass therethrough, thence downwardly through the drain grooves 29 and out through the lower connecting drain grooves 30.

As the movable core moves to the left the die 5, plunger 3 and piston 2 are all moved to the left. The parts occupy the position shown in Fig. 2- at which time there is sufficient space in the pulp chamber 12 to receive the necessary amount of pulp, i. e. that amount of pulp that when compressed and relieved of its liquid content will form a toilet seat or other article of the density desired. Assuming the parts now to be in the position shown in Fig. 2 the gate or valve 23 is opened, thus permitting the pulp to discharge from the hopper 22 and into the pulp chamber, as indicated at 31. As soon as the necessary amount of pulp has been taken into the chamber the gate or valve 23 is closed and power is simultaneously a plied tending to move the piston 2 to the right and the movable core 1.0 to the left. Inasmuch as the piston 2 is of considerably larger area than the movable core 10 the die 5 gradually forces the core 10 to the right but the core 10 resists this movement with sufficient force to maintain its contact firml'y a inst the die. Ultimately, however, the die 5 forces the piston to the position shown in Fig. 3 at which time all of the pulp has been compacted in the die groove or recess 14 and the formation of the article is complete. It should be added, however, that after the plunger has moved substantially two thirds of its stroke, at which time pulp is substantially freed of its liquid, the power is cut off from cylinder 11 and pulp is compressed under full pressure of plunger die.

To remove the article the lock or latch 32 is swung upwardly to omit the pulp chamber to be withdrawn 30m the face of the die block 9 as the plunger and die 5 move back to the osition shown in Fig. 4, the pulp chamber eing carried back by and resting upon the plunger die. When the parts are in this (position the formed article will be found a hering to the wire auze 28 that covers the face of the die 5 an it is in such position that it can be very conveniently moved.

Furthermore, it should be noted that after its formation it has not been dragged through the pulpchamber or any other part so that all danger of breakage or injury to the piece is eliminated.

To ro-establish the parts for the production of/another article the pulp chamber 10 is placed against the die block 9, the pins 19 thereof entering the holes in the flange 20 so that the chamber is properl centered. Vhen the chamber is in place t e latch 32 is swung downwardly to lock it in set position whereupon the cycle of movements before described again takes place.

It might be stated before closing the specification that the movable core and lunger die are not only held tightly, one against the other, but that the movable core restrains the advance of the plunger die, thereby allowing sufiicient time for the liquid and such air as may be trapped or otherwise embodied in the pulp or liquid to escape through the drainage grooves, before referred to.

In other words, this restrained action prevents the pocketing of the liquid or air in the interior of the article, which sometimes occurs in mechanism heretofore devised wherein the pl r is operated too rapidly,

articularly at t e .beginning of its stroke. l Vith the pressure applied to the movable core it is obvious that immediate rapid movement of the die cannot take place.

From the foregoing themany advantages of my invention will be apparent to those skilledin the art to which this appertains without further comment.

I claim 1. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a. pulp chamber associated therewith, a si le movable core separate from the die bloc a plunger die formed to contact with the end of the movable core, and means for causing relative ap roachmg movement of plunger die and p p chamber whereby plunger die enters the pulp chamber.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber detachably connected thereto, a plunger die, and means for causing relative approaching movement of pl er die and pulp chamber, whereby plunger ie enters the pulp chamber.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber detachably connected thereto, a movable core, a plunger die, and means for causing relative approaching movement of plunger die and pulp chamber, whereby plunger die enters the pulp chamber.

4. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber associated therewith, a single movable core separate from the die block, a plunger die .formed to contact with the end of the movable core, and means for causing relative approaching movement of plunger die and pulp chamber and of movable core and pulp chamber, whereby said plunger die and movable core both enter said pulp chamber.

In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block. a pulp chamber associated therewith, a single moi able core separate from the die block. a plunger die formed to contact with the end of the movable core, means for causing relativ'e approaching movement of plunger die and pulp chamber whereby plunger die enters the pulp chamber and contacts said movable core, and means for yieldably restraining further relative movement of plunger die and pulp chamber. i

6. In a machine of the classdescribed, the

combination of a die block, a pulp chamber associated therewith, a sin le movable core separate from the die bloc a plunger die formed to contact with the end of the movable core, means for causing relative apaipproaching movement of plunger die and pulp chamber whereby plunger die enters the pulp chamber and contacts said movable core, and interfitting parts on core and plunger die serving to align them in proper working position.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber detachably connected thereto, said detachable connecting means comprising pins upon one of the parts entering openings in the other, a plunger die, and means for causing relative ap roaching movement of plun r die and p p chamber, whereby plunger 'e enters the pul chamber.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber, a pl r die and means for actuating it, and a single movable core separate from the die block and means for actuating it whereby both the plunger die and movable core can be positioned within the pulp chamber and the plunger die move the core in one direction by contact with the end thereof.

9. In a, machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamher, a plunger die and means for actuating it, and a sin le movable core separate from the die blocr and means for actuating it whereby both the plun r die and movable core can be positioned within the pulp chamber and the core move the plunger die in one direction by contact with the end there'- of.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamher, a plunger die and means for actuating it, and a single movable core separate from the die block and means for actuating it whereby both the plunger die and movable core can be positioned within the pulp phamher and the plunger die move the core in one direction, and the core move the plun er die in the opposite direction by contact with the end thereof.

11. In, a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a pulp chamber associated therewith, a single movable core separate from the die block, a plunger die, means for moving the plunger die into the pulp chamber, means for moving the movable core into pulp chamber and into contact with the plunger die and for resisting movement of the plunger die toward the movable core.

12. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a die block a p chamber associated therewith, a sing e movable core separate from the die block, a plunger die, means for moving the plunger die into the pulp chamber, means for movin the movable core into pulp chamber an into contact with the plunger die and for resisting movement of the plunger die toward the movable core and interfitting means on the movable core and plunger die for aligning the parts when they are in contact.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a single movable core se te from the die block, a pulp chamber etarhably connected thereto, means for moving the plunger die into the pulp chamber, means for moving the movable core into the pulp chamber and into contact with the pl die and for resisting movement of the p unger die toward'the movable core.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a single movable core separate from the die block, a pulp chamber etachably connected thereto, means for locking said pul chamber in place, means for moving the unger die into the pulp chamber ,means tin movin the movable core into the pulp chamber an into contact with the plunger die and for resisting movement of the plunger die toward the movable core.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this 12th day of December, 1922- GEORGE E. SHAW.

the combination of a die block, a ulp chamber associated therewith, a smge movable core separate from the die block, a plunger die, means for moving the plunger die into the pulp chamber, means for movin the movable core into pulp chamber an into contact with the plunger die and for resisting movement of the plunger die toward the movable core and interfitting means on the movable core and plunger die for aligning the parts when they are in contact.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a die block, a si le mov able core se te from the die bloc a pulp chamber etarhably connected thereto, means for moving the plunger die into the pulp chamber, means for moving the movable core into the pulp chamber and into contact with the plunger die and for resisting movement of the plunger die toward the GEORGE E. SHAW.

chamber in Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby 1925, upon t provement in Machines for Forming Articles from certifiedthat in Letters Patent No. 1,525,468, granted February 10, e application of George E. Shaw, of Chicago, Illinois, for an im- Semiliguid Fibrous Pulp Material, an error appears in the printed specification requirin correction as follows: Page 3, lines 118 and 119, claim 10, strike out the wor s by contact with the end thereof and insert the same before the comma and after the word direction in line 117, same claim; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice.

Signed and sealed this 24th day of March, A. D. 1925.

[sun] KARL FENNING, Act/Mg Commissioner of Patents.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereb 'certifiedth'at in Letters Patent No. 1,525,468, granted February 10, 1925, upon the application of George E. Shaw, of Chicago, Illinois, for an imrovement in Machines for- Forming Articles from Semiliguid Fibrous Pulp rial, an error appears in the printed specification requlrin correction as follows: Page 3, lines 118 and 119, claim 10, strike out the wor by contact with the end thereof and insert the same before the comma and after the word direction in'line 117, same claim; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice.

Signed and sealed this 24th day of March, A. D. 1925. I

[ -1 KARL FENNING,

Acting Uonwniwiomr of Patents. 

